Breadcrumb

Baird Welcomes Swedish Counterpart

May 17, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today met with Carl Bildt, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, in Ottawa to discuss the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, the situation in Afghanistan and ways in which Canada and Sweden can strengthen their engagement on Arctic matters.

“Sweden is a valued partner, a strong ally and a close friend of Canada’s,” said Baird. “Our shared values are reflected in our strong commitment to protecting universal human rights, including freedom of religion, and to combatting global terrorism.”

As founding members of the Arctic Council, the two countries pledge to work closely to promote circumpolar cooperation through the Council, which Sweden currently chairs.

“Canada will continue to collaborate with Sweden on its priorities for the remainder of its term and build on our successes when we proudly take the chair for a second time in 2013,” said Baird.

In addition to being Nordic neighbours and Arctic Council colleagues, the two countries collaborated closely during the NATO-led missions in Libya and Afghanistan, at Canada-EU forums and at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Both countries’ economies have weathered the global economic downturn well and will continue to share ideas on ways to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for both countries.